To develop literacy skills all children need to be exposed to books and reading. For today’s techno-savvy youngest generation there is now an option to practice their reading skills online. Digital books are not meant as a replacement to paper books but another exciting medium to get kids reading more.

I love that the story can read aloud to kids whilst highlighting the words.

Children learn by repetition and we all know how kids can want the same story over and over again! So they can listen to the story a number of times and learn the associations between the sounds and the words.

I love that children can click on a word they are unfamiliar with and hear it spoken.

Without having to wait for adult intervention children can try and sound out a word whilst they are reading but if they get stuck they can hear it spoken by clicking on the word.

I love that ebooks look like a paper book with page turning.

Ebooks are not meant as a replacement to paper books but having digital books that look like their paper counterpart can instil a love of all books.

I love that the illustrations are animated.

Picture books that really come to life with animated illustrations – just magical.

I love the comprehension/memory quiz incorporated into the technology.

Children can listen to a story yet not pay attention. Having a comprehension/memory quiz can make sure they listen carefully and take more of the story in.

I love that children are using computer time as a learning experience.

As a parent myself I know how much the kids love to spend time on the computer. Now they can use screen time in an enjoyable and educational way.

I love that reluctant readers can be exposed to books in another medium.

Reluctant readers can hold strong negative associations with books so exposing them to digital formats can provide an alternative medium for them to be exposed to books which is not as threatening.

Digital books are not meant as a replacement for paper books. They are another medium that can harness a child’s passion for learning to read. They are a method for exposing children to more books whilst they are having fun. But don’t tell the children!